Israel’s defense minister issued a stark ultimatum on Wednesday: All remaining Palestinians must leave Gaza City immediately or face the “full force” of Israel’s expanding offensive.
In a statement posted on X, Defense Minister Israel Katz called the evacuation the residents’ “last opportunity” to move south before the military escalates operations. “Those who remain in Gaza will be considered terrorists and terror supporters,” Katz declared, framing the order as a final step to isolate Hamas fighters.
The announcement followed Israel’s claim that its forces had captured the Netzarim axis, a strategic corridor stretching to the Mediterranean that effectively splits the enclave in two and tightens the encirclement of Gaza City. The Israel Defense Forces said Palestinians fleeing south must pass through checkpoints as the fighting intensifies.
Katz insisted the campaign would continue until “all hostages are returned and Hamas is disarmed, on the path to ending the war.”
TRUMP’S PROPOSAL UNDER SCRUTINY
The evacuation order came as Hamas leaders weighed a new peace proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump. The 20-point plan, announced with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, calls for Hamas to release all hostages, give up power in Gaza, and disarm in exchange for Palestinian prisoner releases, the end of fighting, and large-scale reconstruction under international governance.
The plan has received broad international support but drew reservations from key mediators. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Bader Abdelatty said on Wednesday that more negotiations were needed, echoing Qatar’s concerns a day earlier.
A senior Hamas official, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said some provisions were “unacceptable” and would need amendments. He stressed that a formal response would come only after consultations with other Palestinian factions.
Nearly two years after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and triggered the war, 48 hostages remain in Gaza. Israel believes about 20 are still alive. Most of the others were released during earlier ceasefire agreements.
HUMAN TOLL
At least 21 more were killed Wednesday, local hospitals said. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped in Gaza City despite mass evacuations, many too weak or too poor to flee.
Hussein al-Del, who escaped with his family, described the desperation: “We left barefoot. The Israelis were striking at random, with no mercy for anyone. We left behind our food, our furniture, blankets, and everything. We left only with our souls.”
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported more than 66,000 Palestinians killed and nearly 170,000 wounded since Israel’s campaign began last year. The ministry, run by Hamas, says women and children account for about half the dead.
– Ends
(With inputs of Associated Press)
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